Original leaf from a medieval manuscript Book of Hours. 12 lines of red-ruled gothic textura script, written in Latin with dark brown ink, on animal vellum. Rubrics (headings) in red. (90 x 65mm – 3.5 x 2.5’’)
One two-line illuminated initial in burnished gold on red and blue ground with delicate white tracery. Delicate Rinceaux style border (recto) of vines with leaves in burnished gold. This diminutive size leaf is from a Lady’s Prayerbook.
Northern France (Tours or Rouen?), c. 1420-30.
The two-line illuminated “D” begins “Deprecor te domina sancta Maria mater dei…” (I beseech thee Lady, Holy Mary, Mother of God…).
This leaf was written and illuminated about 600 years ago in France at a pivotal point in the Hundred Year’s War - England defeated France decisively in Agincourt in 1415 and took Paris in 1420. Not until Joan of Arc’s heroism (1428-29) could France regain hope of restoring its capital. The book from which this came was likely in daily use at that time
Shipped in archival 10x8” mat.
